I Never Visit Philadelphia Without Stopping at Dutch Eating Place for an Apple Dumpling

There are a few places in the Keystone State that I'll never get tired of, and probably top among them is Reading Terminal Market. There are plenty of food halls closer to home, but none like this: a sprawling collection of densely packed stands, with everything from fresh meat and seafood to artisanal corn dogs. But sometimes the best option is the most old-school, which describes the Dutch Eating Place perfectly.

I visit Amish Country in Lancaster as often as I can, but when I can't make it to central PA, this charming lunch counter in Reading Terminal Market serving the best Amish food in Philadelphia scratches the itch. I love to make it my first stop on an eating tour of Philadelphia, digging into some authentic Penn Dutch treats. But whatever I do, I make sure I don't leave without getting one of the best desserts in Philadelphia—and probably a few extra for friends and family!

I could visit Reading Terminal Market several times a month, and still never try everything there is on offer. I've discovered one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in the city, as well as some delicious groceries I always make sure to bring home. However, the one thing that will never change is my first stop every time I visit.

Dutch Eating Place is a wonderful breakfast-and-lunch spot located in the terminal, serving classic Penn Dutch feasts at a reasonable price. It's open six days a week, starting at 8 AM, and the crowds usually show up not long after they raise the curtain.

While the restaurant does serve lunch specials like sandwiches and Amish-style chicken pot pie, the focus here is on breakfast. The pancakes here are incredibly fluffy, with many speculating that this unique feel comes from extra baking soda in the batter. And yes, they do have scrapple—this unique breakfast meat is divisive, but when it's perfectly fried, it's a great accompaniment for breakfast.

If Dutch Eating Place has one signature item, it's the Apple Dumpling. This baked apple treat is made in huge numbers, and is a perfect little treat—like a portable apple pie. You can have it topped with cream, or just eat it as is for a more portable dessert. It's the perfect finish to a meal at the best Amish spot in Philly.

Have you gotten to try the apple dumplings at Dutch Eating Place? Do you think this little lunch counter serves the best Amish food in Philadelphia? If you haven't visited, make sure to tell a friend about this article and go sample for yourself! You can see the entire menu on the Dutch Eating Place website, and make sure to visit the Reading Terminal Market to see the whole directory. While you're in the market, make sure to try the fanciest corn dogs in Pennsylvania, and if you're looking for a fun family activity, you're walking distance from the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia's world-famous interactive museum.

If you've got the whole day in Philadelphia and aren't sure what to do, drop by Only in Your State's AI-powered travel planner to get a customized itinerary of local adventures.